updated 12:15 pm EDT, Tue April 19, 2011

Mac, Windows versions bundled together

Developer Valve Software has released Portal 2, a sequel to a game originally bundled with The Orange Box in 2007. Portal 2 differs not only in being a separate retail product, but also a full-length title rather than a small side-project. Windows, Mac, Xbox 360 and PlayStation 3 versions are launching simultaneously. The Mac and Windows versions are bundled together, whether on Steam or at retail.

Buyers of the PS3 game get free access to the Steam version; it is also the only the only console edition to support Steam itself, including features like updates, DLC and community functions. The game's two-player cooperative campaign supports matching between Windows, Mac and PS3 players, and single-player saved games can be carried from machine to machine via the Steam Cloud. Achievements are likewise universal on Steam.

In the single-player mode gamers once again resume the role of Chell, a woman trapped in the Aperture Science labs and menaced by GLaDOS, the facility's AI. Players solve a variety of first-person puzzles using the game's titular portal gun. A number of new obstacles and aids are present though, such as excursion funnels, light bridges, and propulsion and repulsion gels.

The Windows/Mac edition is currently $50 on Steam, but $45 at Amazon and GameStop. The PS3 and Xbox 360 games are normally $60, but once more can be found for less at Amazon and GameStop, not including any shipping costs or taxes.

@feathers

not on app store

but it is on Steam, with Steamworks, which, for games, is 10 times better anyway. With Steam, you can play on any of your Macs, or even your office pc and have it automatically sync your save games, achievements etc. between your computers.

@kdogg73
7.5Gb, so what? Even on a standard 16Mbit adsl connection, it takes maybe a few hours, once.